6 Of The Most Commonly Overlooked Car Maintenance Steps

You may think that you’re taking great care of your car, and having all of the necessary maintenance done when you take it to the shop. But there are some maintenance steps that are often overlooked, even by reputable mechanics.

These simple, overlooked car maintenance steps can help you keep your car in great shape for a longer period of time, and preserve your vehicle so that it functions perfectly for years to come.

1. Cabin Air Filter Replacement

If your car starts to smell like an old gym bag whenever you turn on the air conditioner or heater, chances are that your cabin air filter needs to be replaced. Most mechanics will check your engine air filter – but they likely won’t look at your cabin air filter unless you ask them to.

Your cabin air filter can become clogged, or mildew can even build up in the filter. It usually needs to be replaced every 50,000 kilometers.

2. Fuel System Cleaning

Many mechanics don’t even offer fuel system cleaning, but it’s an overlooked maintenance step that can seriously prolong the life of your vehicle.

Debris like dirt, carbon, and sludge can build up and run through your fuel system over time. As the amount of debris in your car continues to grow, the engine can lose power, and become less fuel-efficient.

A fuel system cleaning can consist of a replacement of the fuel filter as well as a cleaning of the direct fuel injection system. However, you can also use a fuel cleaning additive to clean your fuel tank on your own. You can find these products at most automotive service stores.

3. Battery Terminal Cleaning And Re-Seating

If you’re experiencing periodic battery issues or electrical problems, the issue could lie with your battery terminals. Over time, your battery terminals will become dirty, and they may even become corroded if your battery is older.

Consider popping your trunk, taking out the battery, and cleaning the battery terminals and contacts with a baking soda solution. Let them both dry out, and replace the battery, ensuring proper terminal contact. This will ensure that your electrical system is functioning properly, and that your battery lasts longer.

4. Motor Mounts

You should have your motor mounts checked every year. They stabilize your engine, but the constant vibration of the engine can cause them to become loose – or even fail – over time.

If you are hearing excessive motor noise and experiencing “shaking” while you’re idling your car, it’s possible your motor mounts are loose or damaged. Get them serviced right away, to ensure that your engine remains in good condition, and isn’t damaged due to loose or failing engine mounts.

5. Headlight Dimming And Replacement

Your headlights are the most important safety feature on your car when you’re driving at night. Over time, your headlight bulbs become less bright, especially if you are using older, non-LED bulbs. Even if they haven’t failed, it may be a good idea to replace them, if you’ve noticed that they are no longer providing you with enough light for night-time driving.

In addition, your headlight casings can become yellowed and “cloudy”. You can either pay for a professional headlight cleaning, or you can use a rag and some toothpaste to buff out this “cloudiness”, which will enhance the brilliance of your headlights.

6. Power Steering Fluid Replacement

Your power steering fluid is usually topped off at a regular maintenance servicing. However, it’s also a good idea to replace your power fluid completely every two or three years, to make sure that the system continues to function properly, and you don’t lose control of your vehicle due to a serious malfunction.

Keep Your Car In Great Shape With These Overlooked Maintenance Steps!

As we all know, proper maintenance is the best way to keep your car in great shape, and ensure that it lasts for years to come. So don’t forget about these often-overlooked maintenance steps. Come into the Ride Time service centre for a comprehensive, multiple-point inspection today!

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Ride Time is the used car dealer of choice for people with less-than-perfect credit. We provide innovative credit solutions and bad credit car loans Winnipeg drivers rely on. You can expect quality vehicles and outstanding customer service from every person in our organization. At Ride Time, we’re committed to creating a positive experience for customers, even under the toughest circumstances.